Uncovering Chinese Medicine and Healing Therapies

The Tao Sage views the world in unity and the traditional Chinese medicines were developed in respect to this view. To the Sage, man is an integral part of the Forces of Nature (Elements of Air, Water, Wind, Fire and Earth). As such, they viewed man both internally and externally by observation of nature. Thus, the art of “Natural Healing” was born.

For thousands of years, Chinese Sages have documented their observations about the Forces of Nature to devise patterns to maintain harmonious balance in their intricate diagnosis and healing methods. Chinese healing methods include: herbal therapy, moxibustion, cupping, exercise and dietary therapy, acupuncture, qi gong and massage.

Chinese methods of treatment have spread throughout time and into various civilizations. In China, the role of the “Western” and “Ancient Chinese” medical treatments are complimentary. One may have surgical extraction then receive herbal remedies to assist healing so the bodies Qi (Life Force), Yin (female), and Yang (male) channels can be restored naturally.The "Gate to the Original Qi" is located four fingers below the navel.

Here is a quick explanation of Chinese healing methods.

Herbal therapy is as old as time. Early humans learned by trial and error how to survive and their knowledge of herbs contributed to their survival. Herbs can be taken in various forms including: tonics, pills, liquid, powdered extracts, or syrup. It has been said that all forms of herbs are effective and the route of getting the herb to the body varies because of human choice. Herbal treatments have issued forth from centuries of study. In China they use over 1 million herbs annually. Classification of herbs include: Herbs that regulate Qi; Herbs to regulate blood flow; Herbs to release energy; Herbs to relieve food stagnation; Herbs to clear heat or Herbs that warm; Herbs for tonics; Herbs as astringents; Downward draining Herbs; Herbs to clear wind and stop tremors; Herbs to open the heart; Herbs to expel parasites; Herbs that transform and drain dampness; Herbs that dispel wind dampness; Herbs that stop coughing and dissolve phlegm; and, Herbs to calm.

Moxibustion is the application of heat to the injured areas acupuncture points.

Cupping is when heated cups are placed on the affected area of the skin and the resulting suction is said to draw out and remove stagnation from the area.

Exercise Therapy known as “tai qi” are said to strengthen and aide in healing the body.

Dietary Therapy takes into account all the healing systems and devises a food system according to the body system that they affect. Sages advise patients about what foods to eat based on “Yin” or “Yang”, hot or cold, and damp or dry properties.

Acupuncture is a technique based upon the flow of “Qi” using the energy channel or path through the body. Twelve Meridian points have been connected to the six “Yin” and “Yang” organs of the human body. Disharmonious pain or numbness can be tracked back to its point of origin or Meridian point. The acupuncture placement point is the Meridian point found on the body surface known as the “Auriculotherapy” point. It is believed that by application of acupuncture techniques including, pressure, heat or needles, healing can occur. Extensive research in electrical conductivity has been done in China to confirm the existence of Auriculotherapy points on the Meridian. Acupuncture is well known for its treatment of pain relief and weight loss therapy. The World Health Organization state that Respiratory Tract Infections, Disorders of the eye and mouth, Gastrointestinal, Neurological and some Muscular skeletal disorders respond well to Acupuncture Treatment.

Qi gong is a series of exercises done to balance the Qi. The central principle starts with meditation on “Danitian” [Gateway to the original Qi and the vital energy center]. The Danitian spot is located below the navel. This spot is called the “Root of the Qi.” Applied focus on the Qi during exercise is said to build up Qi force. Qi is the life force that cares for and strengthens the human body. Qi gong exercises have a variety of formats from the passive to strenuous. It is said that Qi gong helps to bring peace to the body by increasing the healthy energy flow of the body. Because of Qi gong’s ability to increase the circulation of blood, Qi gong improves general health.

Massage –The Sages discovered that touch can be beneficial to man. If done properly touching can support healing, and massage therapy was created. A traditional massage known as the “tui na” is said to have a profound effect on the muscularsketal system.